Flagstaff, Arizona’s reputation as a welcome stopover for weary travelers goes back hundreds, maybe even thousands of years. Even the origins of the town’s name suggest as much. Legend has it that an American flag, hoisted atop a tall pine tree to celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence, served as a guidepost to early settlers of the West.
Long before the arrival of Anglo-Americans, the Sinagua and Cohonina Indians called the Flagstaff area home, with the remnants of the ancient pueblos of Wupatki and Walnut Canyon still standing as proof. Some maps of the Old Spanish Trail even depict the famous trade route as passing through here. Decades later, travelers “getting their kicks on Route 66” would make Flagstaff their stopover on that now-legendary trip that “winds from Chicago to LA” with their variety of overnight accommodations.
Today, Flagstaff, Arizona is a thriving town that celebrates its ancient past while helping shape the future. The home of Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona is well-established as a gateway community not only to Grand Canyon South Rim, but to other scenic and historic treasures like Wupatki/Sunset Crater National Monument, Navajo National Monument, Sedona, Glen Canyon and Lake Powell, Meteor Crater, the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest.
Flagstaff offers a variety of activities nearby for singles, couples and families. For stargazers Lowell Observatory offers nighttime educational fun. For adventure seekers, nearby Native American Ruins present an exciting look at culture. For anyone interested in history, recent as well as ancient, there are museums to wander through at your leisure. Last, but certainly not least, you can drive the short distance to the Grand Canyon for views that are like no other. Tours are also available.